On Mother’s Day 50 years ago, Dodie Osteen and her husband, the Rev. John Osteen, held the first service of Lakewood Church in north Houston with a few followers and a pulpit in a former feed store.

When John Osteen died in 1999, Lakewood Church was known as an “Oasis of Love” and drew about 6,000 worshippers for weekend services.

Once the wife of the pastor, Dodie Osteen is now the mother of the pastor, Joel Osteen. But now, the church draws crowds of more than 40,000 to weekend services in a former sports arena.

Millions tune in on tele­visions around the world.

Family members joke that Dodie Osteen is the “Queen Mother” of Lakewood Church. But the 76-year-old also rolls up her sleeves and works, leading a monthly service, organizing funerals and praying for callers to her office from around the country.

Dodie Osteen spoke with Tara Dooley about 50 years of life with Lakewood.

Following are excerpts of that interview, edited and condensed.

Q: Do you remember that very first service, Mother’s Day 1959, after you and your husband, John Osteen, left the Baptist church to start Lakewood?

A: Well, I remember a little church that had spider webs in it. It had holes in the floor — because it was an old feed store — where the feed would fall through. The chairs didn’t match and the pews didn’t match, but it was wonderful. There was just enthusiasm and excitement.

Q: Back then did you ever think Lakewood would grow to be America’s largest church and housed in the former Compaq Center?

A: Never in my life. Of course, John said, “Some day I will be preaching in the Astrodome.” But that was just far-fetched to me. But I knew whatever he set his hand to do, he would do it because he was a go-getter.

Q: How did you meet your husband?

A: He was my pastor when I was younger. After high school, I went to nurses school. I noticed that he began to come in, and thought it was to visit with patients. And finally I said, “He’s got the sickest people in the world because he comes in here so often.” And then one day I finally realized he was coming to see me. And we fell in love. For six months after we began dating I called him “Brother Osteen.”

Q: Are there things you always keep with you about him even now?

A: Just how sweet he was to me. He thought I hung the moon, which was such a deception. I had him fooled. I miss that. I miss his kisses.You know what, he’s in a far better place and I’ll see him again.

Q: When your son, Joel Osteen, took over your husband’s pulpit he was new to preaching. How do you think he’s done?

A: The first time I heard him, I heard a young man, 35 or 36. At that time he was frightened and he had a lot of hair and he stood up there and you could tell he was shaking inside. I’ve seen him progress and now I think, “He is so mature.” Every sermon I think, “That’s his best.”

Q: Besides the incredible growth, has Lakewood Church changed?

A: I know for one thing the love hasn’t changed. The people are so full of love. That is the most wonderful thing. The thing that has changed is, I used to know everybody. I knew their names. Now I know maybe five out of 100. But you know that is growth. That is good.

Q: What do you think John Osteen would think of Lakewood now?

A: I think John is jumping up and down in heaven. I think he’s proud of us.